Save India's oldest Islamic Period Palace from demolition

We the undersigned write to you to save the Lal Mahal in Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti of Delhi from demolition and take urgent measures to acquire this structure of national importance for protection for the future generations.

LalMahal, built in AD 1240 by Ghiyasuddin Balban is the earliest Islamic palace building in India. It is also the earliest surviving building in India to use the arch and the dome. Ibn Batuta is also said to have stayed here.

Maps of the Archaeological Survey of India from 1946 and 1973 show the intention to protect the structure but these do not seem to have been taken to logical conclusion leading to partial demolitions in 2008 and further destruction and new construction on archaeological remains in May- June 2013.

The time to act is now and hope you will not allow the loss of this significant structure which must be declared a monument of national importance.